Today on FOX Chicago, I shared simple swaps to lighten up your Thanksgiving spread without compromising taste.
Tip 1: Skip the chips and dip before the main course and serve 3-ingredient finger food pairing protein & produce
My first tip is to skip the chips and dip and start with protein and produce. Take a toothpick – add your favorite fruit or veggie followed by cheese. I used the Roth Grand Cru, which is this nutty, creamy alpine-style cheese from Whole Foods. Also great for cheeseboards and holiday cooking!
Tip 2: Swap out cream-based sauces for marinara sauce in your veggie sides
Swapping cream-based sauces for marinara cuts the calories and ups the nutrition. I shared butternut squash noodles made with the Jersey Tomato Co. sauce, which is added-sugar free AND naturally lower in sodium due to the uniqueness of the Jersey tomatoes that it’s made with.
Tip 3: Swap out butter for hummus dressings in mashed potatoes.
My healthy timesaving hack for mashed potatoes is to swap butter for hummus dressing. I shared my two-ingredient recipe – using potatoes and the O’DANG caeser. These dressings only have 25-45 calories per serving, they’re vegetable-based and chickpeas are the first ingredient.
Tip 4: Opt for grass-fed beef if you don’t like turkey
If you don’t like turkey, I recommend beef that’s grass-fed and finished – which makes it lower in saturated fat and higher in those heart-healthy omega-3s. I shared the chuck roast by PRE which is tender, flavorful and great for serving a crowd. You can find them at Marianos and select Jewel stores.
Tip 5: Celebrate the day of thanks with better-for-you drinks.
Finally I shared beverages with benefits starting with kombucha cocktails made using the Wonder Drink Prebiotic Kombuchas. These are the only kombuchas made with PREbiotics instead of probiotics, which help nourish the good bacteria in your digestive tract, and can help support immune health.
For wine lovers, I recommend prosecco which is a lower calorie option and red wine for those heart-healthy antioxidants. The LaLuca Prosecco also comes in fun minis which is great for the holidays. The Il Bastardo Sangiovese retails for only $9 a bottle. Both high quality, affordable options in Chicago!
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